allegretto
A moderately fast tempo, slightly slower than allegro.
In Depth
Allegretto sits between andante and allegro — quick enough to feel lively but without the full energy of allegro. At roughly 112–120 BPM, it has a light, cheerful quality. The diminutive ending -etto in Italian suggests something smaller or gentler than allegro. Many famous movements use this tempo. The second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 is marked Allegretto and has become one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music. The tempo works well for dance-like passages and movements that need energy without urgency.
The second movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, marked Allegretto, was so popular at its premiere that the audience demanded an immediate encore.
Related Terms
More in Tempo
Browse alla tempo
Return to the original tempo after a deviation.
accelerando
A gradual increase in tempo.
adagio
A slow, leisurely tempo, typically 66-76 BPM.
agitato
Agitated; restless and hurried in character.
alla breve
Cut time; two half-note beats per measure, giving a faster feel.
allegro
A fast, lively tempo, typically 120-156 BPM.
andante
A walking pace tempo, typically 76-108 BPM.
andantino
Slightly faster than andante, though historically debated.